‘Hit and run’ tragically claims young life

At first, it was reported that the vehicle that had ‘hit and run’ 11-year-old Nompilo Ntombela over was a bakkie… However, Jan Maré, who is regarded as the ‘hero’ in this terrible tragedy, confirmed that it was a silver Corsa car that hit the child in Suid Street (Bhekuzulu area) on Thursday afternoon. Jan was on route to KZN Bodyworks when he saw the accident. He also confirmed that the girl was almost across the road, close to the sidewalk, when she was knocked over. He said the car just drove off and he followed in hot pursuit, only managing to stop the vehicle about two kilometres from the scene. Upon being ‘confronted’, the driver allegedly said ‘there was no space next to the road to stop’. Jan was supported by bystanders when the driver allegedly wanted to get rid of the alcohol in his car. Jan says the driver had clearly been drinking. Everyone agrees that if it had not been for Jan’s prompt response, the motorist would’ve gotten away… Police arrived about 20 minutes later.

In the meantime, Nompilo, a Grade 6 learner at Besterspruit Primary School, was fighting for her life at the scene. Her books and shoes were scattered on the sidewalk; a clear indication of the horrific impact. According to her friends, they were on their way home from school. Other witnesses were shocked by the ‘hit and run’ and said that the little girl ‘flew’ through the air while the driver just took off. KwaZulu Private Ambulance Services area manager Frikkie Bekker and his crew, who responded to the incident, said that the child was in a critical condition when they arrived. Another off-duty paramedic from another company initiated first aid before an ambulance arrived. The girl had a very weak pulse and was not breathing; this meant that immediate definitive treatment was required on the spot. The accident victim was mechanically assisted with her breathing, and her condition was stabilised as best as possible before she was rushed to hospital. Unfortunately, despite the desperate efforts of the emergency crew and the staff at Vryheid District Hospital, she was sadly declared dead.

Nompilo’s mother, Zakhona Magwaza, is still in shock and cried inconsolably when the Vryheid Herald spoke to her. She said that her daughter was still mourning the death of her father, who recently passed away. As the last born and only daughter, Nompilo was her mother’s right hand and support in the difficult time after her father’s death. Zakhona says her daughter was a quiet and respectful child who never got into any kind of trouble and didn’t have many friends at school. Nompilo was the family’s hope and future… and now she is gone – forever. The family is struggling financially and said they won’t be able to collect the social grant anymore. They are at a complete loss for words at this stage.

Condolences on the Vryheid Herald Facebook page for the girl and her family poured in… Here are a few of the close to 200 messages:

Felicity Meyer: “Condolences to family and friends – so very tragic.”
Tracy Ruthrumn: “Deepest condolences to the family and school friends. RIP, little one.”
Madoda Ndlovu: “That’s very bad. My condolences to the school mates and the family of the child.”
Henriette Wessels: “RIP. My heart was broken this afternoon. And I can’t imagine what the family is going through. Her name will always be in my heart.”
Nozibusiso Minenhle: “This is so sad. I saw this accident. Condolences to the family.”
MakaSfundo Bophela: “I passed the accident. The little girl was lying on the road, so helpless. May her precious soul rest in peace.”

ALSO READ: VRYHEID KZN: Is the Junction Crossing the new crash ‘hot-spot’?

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